(CNN Philippines) — Despite being short on personnel, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters managed to outlast Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 95-91, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Sunday (May 10).
With Jayson Castro (ankle), Ranidel De Ocampo (swollen knee), Aaron Aban (shoulder), and Kevin Alas (ankle) shelved by injuries, the Tropang Texters leaned on import Steffphon Pettigrew in their first game since capturing the Commissioner’s Cup title.
Pettigrew scored 33 points on top of 12 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks for the Tropang Texters, who were enjoying a comfortable lead at the half before Ginebra turned the game into a slugfest.
A split by Pettigrew with 1:27 left gave Talk ‘N Text a 94-84 cushion.
But the Gin Kings, who were also playing sans big men Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, didn’t go down without a fight.
Sol Mercado munched a pair of free throws and Josh Urbiztondo dropped a five-point bomb after that to trim the double-digit gap to three, 91-94 with 21.3 ticks to go.
Larry Fonacier missed one pressure-packed free-throw on the other end, but Ginebra failed to capitalize on that as three Kings botched their shots before time expired.
Ginebra import Orlando Johnson, who exploded for 50 points in his debut, carried Ginebra anew with 46 points. He also grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out three assists.
Ginebra is still winless in two games.
